Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz Bin Saud Bin Naif received Ahsan Iqbal, the visiting Pakistani minister of interior, in Jeddah. The Saudi minister welcomed Ahsan Iqbal to the Kingdom and showed concern over the assassination attempt against Ahsan Iqbal and inquired about his health.

Ahsan Iqbal extended greetings and felicitations from the government and people of Pakistan. He thanked the Saudi government for strongly condemning the attack on him. He also thanked the Saudi interior minister for inquiring about his health during his hospitalization.

During the meeting, both leaders discussed coordination and cooperation between ministries of interior of the two countries. Ahsan Iqbal appreciated the amnesty scheme under which a large number of Pakistani expatriates returned to Pakistan. Other matters relating to Pakistani community living in the Kingdom and those visiting Saudi Arabia including immigration issues, transfer of prisoners, Umrah and Haj facilitation were also discussed during the meeting.

The Saudi minister promised to look into all the issues. Both the leaders agreed to promote greater economic cooperation and further strengthening bonds between the two brotherly countries.

Arshad Munir, consular (press) at the Consulate General of Pakistan said Ahsan Iqbal was accompanied by Ambassador of Pakistan Khan Hasham Bin Saddique, Consul General Shahryar Akbar Khan and Deputy Consul General Shaiq Ahmed Bhutto.